Labour MPs and peers demand party toughen its stance on antisemitism

'Labour MPs and peers have demanded their party leadership toughen its stance on antisemitism.

The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) voted overwhelmingly in favour of adopting the full version of an internationally-recognised definition of antisemitism, some parts of which were controversially left out when party leaders drew up a new code of conduct.

The PLP backed calls, led by Jewish community groups, for Labour to adopt the full International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, which is used by the government, local councils and a number of other organisations.

Dozens of MPs, including shadow cabinet ministers such as Sir Keir Starmer, have already called on the party leadership to listen to Jewish community representatives and adopt the full definition.

Labour has agreed to use the definition in its code of conduct but decided not to directly include four of the IHRA's 12 examples of antisemitic behaviour, amid claims they could stifle criticism of Israel.

These include comparing Israeli policies to those of the Nazis, or suggesting the creation of the Jewish state was a racist endeavour. The other two examples refer to accusing Jewish people of being more loyal to Israel than their home country, or holding Israel to higher standards than other countries.

Party officials have insisted the examples are covered elsewhere in the code of conduct, and say the document goes further than the IHRA definition.

The PLP vote is not binding but is likely to increase pressure on Jeremy Corbyn and Jennie Formby, Labour's general secretary, to rethink their approach. The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to rubber-stamp the decision later this week.'